The stunning conclusion to the All In Duet… In Vegas, there was one man who was off limits. One man… and I fell for him. I knew there were risks. Still, I played the game. When Dario Capece called, I answered. When he beckoned, I came. When he broke all my rules, I looked the other way. I knew there were risks. I just never realized they included death. Note: This book should be read after …
Note: This book should be read after Even Money (available now).
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OH. MY. GOD! Double Down is equally as gripping and engrossing as Even Money; I could NOT put it down!! The story picks up right where the first book left off with Bell and Dario dealing with Gwen’s death. Because Even Money left us with one hell of a cliffhanger, the second Double Down landed on my kindle I was on it so dang fast. I was borderline obsessive with it. After reading it, I can rightfully say that I am so in love with this book. Double Down brings the suspense, the drama, the heat and the passion. It’s so good. Alessandra Torre is a master of romantic suspense. She has a way of giving you just enough information so the story is not boring or predictable and has you craving and devouring more and more.
The only reason I could not give this book the full 5 stars is because I did not feel as emotionally connected to Dario and Bell’s relationship as I was in the first book. Individually, I loved them both. I liked Bell’s independence and her relationships with her friends. As for Dario, I liked him in Even Money but I absolutely loved him and his fierce protective nature in this book. There were so many times that I wanted to reach in and take away all his grief. My feelings for him only grew. Although, I loved both main characters, when they were together, I wasn’t fully sold on their love. Yes, they were fire when they were intimate. Outside their intimacy, I thought there was just something off.
Both Even Money and Double Down are perfect example of why Alessandra Torre is one of my favorite writers ever. She can write anything!
Alluring, Intriguing and Fascinating.
Wow!!! What an amazing duet
Double Down picked up right where we left off taking me on an action packed adventure. This author is a fabulous storyteller. LOVED it!
This was an easy read and the fact that every page had me wanting more made it even easier.
What a great conclusion to the duet! This one picks up right where Even Money leaves off. Tension is high as Bell and Dario race against the villains that have set out to destroy them There are several twists and turns, some expected, some not so much. All of the uncertainty of their future leaves Bell feeling worried and a bit insecure but it’s Dario’s indomitable love that steadies her through it all.
This book is in constant motion even when Bell is stuck in one place. Something new is always developing and these charcters are forced to life a live they have not chosen. I loved that Dario’s protective alpha tendencies reign supreme here and that Bell is able to relent to his control in order to bring him peace. She always has a moment of resistance but her care of him helps her to choose his peace of mind over her own desires.
There is plenty of action here, lots of steamy goodness, intense moments of suspense and a villain that is unlike that I’ve read before. The secondary characters were necessary and helped the hero and heroine when they needed additional support and I enjoyed each one of them.
Overall, this was a wonderful story that kept me on the edge of my seat as I waded through the murky waters of this couple’s journey. I would’ve liked a further into the future epilogue and I wonder if that wasn’t intentional and that we might see more from some of these characters further down the road.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Select Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Double Down picks up right where Even Money left off . . . . and I could not have been more excited to be thrown back in to this story!
Readers find themselves right back at the scene of Gwen’s murder with Dario needing to figure out both how to keep Bell safe and bring down Robert Hawk for calling the hit that mistakenly killed his own daughter. From there, Alessandra Torre weaves a tale of love and suspense that takes us on a journey full of so many twists and turns, you’ll wonder how there can ever be a happy ever after for this couple!
Bell and Dario’s love and commitment is constantly put to the test in this book as they are left dealing with the aftermath of Gwen’s death, the evil Robert Hawk and his unexpected accomplice and a threat to their lives that just doesn’t seem to quit. Both wracked with guilt, Dario feels a compulsive need to keep Bell safe at any cost and Bell, while understanding of his fears also feels the need to maintain her independence (remember, she is a bit of a commitment phobe!). It’s a delicate balance emotionally, but physically the sparks continue to fly as Dario works with the LVPD and FBI to bring his father in law to justice while also protecting Bell from the world he has brought her in to.
Their love for one another is never a question, but whether or not they will both make it out of this alive and together most definitely is!
I loved that Rick and Lance were both integral parts of this book and I was completely intrigued by new character, Laurent . . . gotta love an alpha male Cajun!
I can’t say much about the plot without giving away the amazing storyline, which I refuse to do. Let’s just say it is pulse pounding suspense. Every time I thought I knew what would happen, a new little twist appeared adding to the insanity that became Bell and Dario’s very existence! I also enjoyed that the author chose to tell this book from multiple POVs as it really added to the depth, and at times, desperation of the story . . . especially when hearing things from the killer’s perspective!
5 Stars for Double Down and for the duet. All In was truly an amazing duet that gives readers a beautiful love story about two characters that never should have found one another, super steamy sex and pulse pounding suspense and intrigue! Take a gamble and snap these books up now!
What a ride!
WARNING: You must read the first book before diving into this one otherwise you will be lost and the story will be spoiled.
And I am blown away… again!
Author Alessandra Torre did it again with this Duet by giving us such a intense, suspenseful and twisted story of romance.
You will think you know what is going to happen and you will be wrong.
I loved how the story is told from multiple points of view. As a reader, I felt the story gave us a perfect combination of emotions and actions from each of the main characters.
Well rounded story that gave an ending that will not be forgotten.
Go One Click this Must Read Book!
5 Cherries Popped!
What a great book 2! I wasn’t sure with how book 1 ended how book 2 would pick up with Dario and Bell’s relationship and what would be happening. First off, this is a duet so if you haven’t read Even Money, you need to do that before starting Double Down.
Bell and Dario’s story is heated and passionate and yet such a broken story. When Dario asks Bell to love him through the cracks, it just about broke me. He was this powerful man, but in so many ways a boy looking for the girl he loves to love him back. I loved Bell and her fierce spirit.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat and the plot was twisty and I loved it! This was a great romantic suspense duet. I’m intrigued to see if there is more to come in this story. Please say yes!!! Great read!
Double Down is the epic conclusion for Even Money. This book is hands down a page turner!!!! Double Down picked up exactly where Even Money left off. Alessandra has a way with words and making you feel like you are right there with the characters. In Double Down you get to see into Dario’s previous life, which helps you to understand him more. Bell is still a head strong woman going after what she wants. There are many twists and turns and things you’re not expecting. The suspense in this book literally kept me on the edge of my seat!! It was truly an epic read!!
After the way Book 1 ended I thought of many scenarios on how what can happen next and how this was going to end. And I’m surprised to say that I didn’t expect the additional suspense and heart racing moments. I was like wow what would so and do do when they find out about this and that.
Bell and Dario love strengthened more in this book. But damn the things they endured and suffered through to be together was making my head spin but it was worth it.
Secrets were revealed and exposed BUT I still think this isn’t over. I’m not going to spoil but towards the ending it gave me a feeling that this wasn’t over. Didn’t seem like closure in my opinion. But this just showed the love Dario had for Bell and the extreme measures he would take for her protection. Bell also isn’t a doormat and she and Dario were perfect for each other. Of course this also had its steamy make my panties wet moment but I still can’t get over the fact that I didn’t feel like this is the end.
This book can only be read after reading Even Money (All in Duet #1).
After the cliffy from Even Money, I wanted to toss my kindle! Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long to get the conclusion. Picking up right where we left off, let the fun begin!!
I had no idea how this book would pan out. With the evil father, the possibilities were endless.
However, I felt the story after the first major event was pretty predictable. I figured it out and sailed right through reading without any surprises.
We are left with a pretty open book. An ending, yes… But one that could possibly bring us more sometime down the road.
One character that stood out to me was Laurent. Would enjoy reading more about his background and where he is now. His sister though, she scared me! LOL.
All in all, the duet was a good read.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
“Why Double Down?”
“It fits us. You could have given up ………….. Or kept the stakes the same. But you didn’t. I didn’t. We risked more. Raised the stakes. Emotionally, went in deeper. At least, I did.”
“Me too.”
In Double Down all the stakes are raised higher and the risks more dangerous than ever for Bell and Dario, their explosive love and the life/future they want together all on the line! The devil in this high stakes game has struck and Dario is instantly in protection mode, securing Bell’s safety is his highest concern then next in line is bringing down the cruel heartless devil. But how can you win this game that threatens all you have and ever wanted when there’s an unknown spawn of the devil to do his bidding!!
This second part of the All In Duet was a riveting conclusion filled with page turning suspense that kept me hooked, sexy passionate unstoppable love that kept my kindle steamy, and an ending that felt like winning all the bets (but left me with feelings of possibility for more???).
As Bell finds her life in danger, only Dario can find a way to navigate her through the mayhem. Turning to a select few to protect Bell, Dario must unravel the puzzle pieces of this crime to come out standing on the other end. What does it mean for Bell? Can Dario find a way to overcome the obstacles in his path? Will these two find a way to be together in the end?
Double Down is the second installment in the All In Duet by Alessandra Torre. The first book – Even Money – left readers wondering about the fate laid out for Dario and Bell. Their journey is full of obstacles standing in their way, and things are about to get even more complicated. With the gravity of the situation presented at the cliffhanger in the first book in the duet, readers will wonder how the two will find their way back from such turmoil. Get ready for the ‘ride’…..
This is the ‘hard’ part for me. Giving a rating to a book I found lacking in content from an author. Let me explain what I mean because the words ‘lacking in content’ sound negative and that is not the direction I am leading. Bell and Dario met and a full blown case of LUST ensued. These two characters fall madly in instalove. Sometimes an author can lead you to believe that this instalove is believable. For Dario and Bell – it was more convenient than believable.
The first book in the series was steady and on a path that lead you up to a massive cliffhanger. I regress to call it a cliff hanger when in fact it was more like a crossroads. Where do we go from here would be a more accurate ending. Even Money was engaging and pulled you straight into this tale of dicey decisions and the forbidden. As Double Down progressed, I found it very hard to BELIEVE the intensity of the relationship between Dario and Bell. The plot was pulling you towards a suspenseful story, but the predictability for me kept it from being as engaging as the first book in the duet. When you add the love affair that had the depth of a long term relationship, some of the things that played out just didn’t seem believable.
The author – Alessandra Torre – is known for her amazing ability to write suspense filled romances that leave you breathless. Most of those novels will leave you in awe long after you finished the book. Now – I know every book cannot be a Black Lies or Tight, BUT I do expect the writing to captivate me regardless of what genre or writing style is presented. Double Down felt predictable and rushed. The ‘twists’ as others call them, I can see coming long before they unfold. Everything about Claudia (a secondary character) was predictable to me. Sorry….it just was!!
Don’t mistake my review for criticism, I am just explaining my lack of a 5 star rating on this novel. There was just so much ‘missing’ to make this book round out and compliment the first book with believability and intensity. For me personally – Even Money was the best book out of the duet.
What I found interesting as I read Double Down was how a secondary character ‘stole the show’ for me. Laurent and his life in the Bayou captivated me!! He literally pulled me in with that Cajun twang, and I soaked up every nuance of his character. The writing that centered around Laurent was the BEST part of Double Down!! His part in the saga was well thought out and I simply couldn’t get enough of him. Laurent needs his own BOOK….seriously!!
Double Down just missed the mark for me. The lack of believability and rushed feeling left me lacking for a connection to the story. The suspense factor to this novel didn’t give me that feeling of finality that one expects when a book is labeled suspense. When the secondary character has more ‘weight’ than the primary characters …well….that kind of says it all.
Double Down is the continuing part of the All in Duet. This duet must be read in order starting with Even Money.
We left Even Money on quite the cliff hanger, what i liked was that we didn’t have long to wait for the conclusion. We pick straight back up where we left off going into Double Down.
There were many twists and turns, and while many questions were answered. I felt that this book just didn’t grip me like the first one did. Overall this was a satisfying read, but for me personally – Even Money was the better book out of the duet. I could have quite easily read this duet as a whole book instead for two separate parts.
Alessandra Torre’s writing continues to be well paced and interesting. She is an author i will always check out.
4 “Cooyon” stars
Alessandra is a master at writing engrossing romantic suspense and here too in the conclusion of the Duet, she mesmerizes you with a riveting read. The book has all the ingredients to make a fine erotic dish with splashes of intrigue, hot boiling sex, sizzling passion and heart tugging sweet emotions. Throw in some murders and voila…you have a perfectly embellished book.
It starts where EVEN MONEY left off, on a cliffy. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how Dario will be able to explain what he said in the end. But Alessandra turns the story on a dime and the trajectory this part of the story takes, just throws everything up in the air. The odds stack against Dario & Bell, yet they dig in their heels and persist, hold hands and hold out, I believe that’s what the title means.
I just loved reading Robert Hawk going through a gamut of emotions. Sarcasm to smugness to shock to anger to rage to denial to disbelief and then fury. Just desserts and all !!
He’s such a powerful man rendered helpless
A close friend of the governor and a major contributor to his re-election fund. Hell, Hawk had sponsored the police department’s Christmas dinner this year, in addition to his generous annual scholarship program for law enforcement children.
This book also brings to light the depth of Dario and Bell’s relationship. What started as intense attraction morphs into true love and as is with all true loves their bonds are tested continuously. They’ve everything thrown at them. There’s cops, there’s FBI, there’s Robert, there’s their families, their friends, and a person out to kill them. All this and they find time to have scorching hot sex !
A page turner no doubt and improbable, fast paced read. Once you start you won’t be able to walk away till you hit THE END.
When Even Money came to a conclusion, I knew Double Down was going to be something else and I was not disappointed!!
Dario and Bell’s story had me on the edge of my seat and I tell you, I went through every single emotion with this book! I was anxious almost through the entire book waiting to see if this couple would finally get their HEA.
What a great conclusion to the All in Duet. Double Down was full of twists, turns, sexiness and some WTF moments! I just wonder if their story is really over…but it really was a great conclusion!
2018 has been the year of exceptional reads for me. This includes duets and trilogies. Even Money and Double Down are ranked very high on my list of favorite reads! How do I even compare it to anything else? I loved the suspense, the action, the mystery of it all. This isn’t just a romance, a love triangle of sorts. This story has been so much more. The mysteriousness of what’s going to happen next, will justice be served, will they be found? It all kept me on the edge of my seat up until the very end. I see so many possibilities stemming from this duet. I want so many more stories to tie off from Double Down. I want so many more characters to be given the chance to have their say. It wasn’t just about Dario and Bell, but also Gwen, Lance, Rick, and even Laurent. I really want more of Laurent. I know something is hiding with that one. It’s about Claudia and her before story. I couldn’t get enough. I snuck a page in wherever I could. I wanted so badly to savor each word, to try to piece it all together without rushing ahead, but I couldn’t. My patience was paper thin. I had a NEED to know how it ended. Even after finding out, I’m still left wanting more. These are my favorite kinds. How even after reading the end, I’m left with endless possibilities running through my mind. I WANT MORE!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Double Down is the continuation of Even Money. If you’ve not read Even Money you shouldn’t continue to read this review.
Even Money ends on a cliffhanger and we pick right up where it left off in Double Down. At this point Dario has pieced together someone meant to kill Bell instead of Gwen. So he has Bell whisked right out of town to help keep her safe.
Showing his cards to his father-in-law might not have been the best decision that came next though. That man is psycho! Now here’s where I would have loved to have had more information on Gwen’s dad…just to know how he got to be so psychotic. Seriously – the things that man did to “mold” women to his liking doesn’t come from just sitting around watching chips fall at a casino.
The sad thing is Gwen’s father never gets to learn about her marriage with Dario to see how wrong he was in his thinking. Sometimes the getting even isn’t in the retaliation it’s in the rational explanation of how things really work. Though the puppet in this “game” Gwen’s dad was playing doesn’t get to hear it either – which makes her all the more dangerous since she’s on the loose.
I won’t spoil this book for you because there’s so much in here to read and get caught up on. If you like Romantic Suspense novels this duet should be added to your reading list right away. Alessandra Torre has created an adventure for two love birds that if they survive this they can survive anything…and I mean anything!
What a phenomenal story! It had just the right amount of everything to completely consume me for days. Alessandra Torre killed it with this duet!
I loved Dario. He was wealthy, powerful, dominant. When he turned his sights on Bell he became obsessed, protective and tender. When danger came Bell’s way, Dario was fascinating to read about. These two have become one of my favorite couples.
I was worried at first how the ending of book one was going to effect this book but I think the author did a fantastic job of keeping us at the edge of our seats. It was just the right amount of dark, romance, suspense and a touch of horror. Everything that happens really makes these characters shine.
There are some really great side characters that I need to see get there own book. The fact that the author left a tiny little loose thread gives me hope that as an overall series, this isn’t over. This is one of those storylines that just make you want more!
Double Down is a continuation of the All in Duet so you must read book 1 first.
“The stunning conclusion to the ‘All In’ duet”….. that’s exactly what the synopsis states, and for the record, it’s no exaggeration. EPIC! Following the cliffie from book 2, I’m grateful to say I didn’t have to wait too long to find out which direction Torre was going to go with this story. Following directly on from book 1 we see Dario slip straight into CEO mode, taking charge of the situation and trying to protect Bell from the crazy that is Gwen’s family. Not happy with Dario’s idea of protection, Bell has to just suck it up, which amazingly she does. While she’s doing that we get to meet the adorable, yet deadly, Laurent, Cajun book boyfriend extraordinaire. Just when they thought everything was under control and getting back to normal, the tables are turned and Dario’s nightmare comes to life. Fantastic characters (Dario and Bell have awesome friends), an explosive storyline, full of action and suspense, along with a romance that I was desperate to see succeed, they had so much chemistry together. Never knowing which direction the story was going to take, all I could do was sit back and enjoy the ride. A full five star ride. I was hooked from the very first page of book 1 through to the very last page of book 2, addicted, to put it mildly. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I cannot… I just… This book… This book had every ounce of Vegas magic you would expect it to. Bell and Dario had so much working against them and they fought through it all. Love does conquer all sometimes and thankfully in their case it did. This was heart-pounding in its intensity. I could not put the book down!
When last we saw Dario and Bell, they were in a bit of a mess. His wife had just been murdered, and Dario, ever the quick-thinker, told the police that the body belonged to Bell. His reasons for doing so are made apparent straight away in this book, as Alessandra Torre immediately takes you for a wild, twisty, scorching hot ride.
There are multiple threads going on here as Alessandra Torre alternates between different perspectives: Bell’s, Dario’s, an FBI agent’s, and the woman who “killed” Bell. Sometimes the canvas feels crowded, particularly when one of the perspectives seems to derail Torre’s pacing. If I had to list the weakness of this book, in fact, it would be pacing. Too often, there are detours that don’t necessarily progress the narrative. You find yourself wishing Torre would get back to the core story.
One aspect that is decidedly NOT weak is the relationship between Dario and Bell. Alessandra Torre never forgets that theirs is not a perfect union. There are issues on both sides, and Torre does not rush their happiness. She lets it unfold organically and true to the characters she has established. And when they do the sex … strap on your vibrators, girls. The sexy times here are explosive and deliver knee-weakening quiver.
The ending. I’m curious as to what you think. Does Torre leave an opening? Does she bring you closure? Hit up the comments and let me know what you think.